Kohala

Kohala is the old part of the Island of Hawaii, formerly the land of sugar cane and the site of the second statue of King Kamahamaha. A place where time has stopped for many years. Windy Upolu Point, beautiful views, some historical digs, Islands largest heiau and beautiful Hapuna Beach Park, one of the finest beaches in the world. Top ten by Conde Nest.

Hawi Town is at the northern tip of the Big Island, and until the 1970's was a sugar farming community. Hawi (pronounced "Havee") has a couple of restaurant and shops and is known for a being the birth place of King Kamehameha and has a statue to his honor. Originally the statue was for Honolulu but it was accidently dropped overboard in deep water so the powers that be had to order a new one for Honolulu. Later someone was able to retreve the original statue so it was placed in Hawi to mark the birthplace of King Kamehameha. Windy Upolu Point is the northernmost point on the Big Island, with a beautiful view of Maui on a clear day. Sometimes I think I have been able to see Oahu.

Pololu Valley is cut into a 400 foot cliff with a small river that still meanders through at the plane. There is a quite steep 30minute hike to get to the bottom. For the very hardy there is also a trail between Pololu Valley and Waipio Valley to the south that I understand is very tough & beautiful. That trip may take several days, a tent, rain gear, food and good wet type gear and hiking shoes, not for the faint hearted or the easy going crew. Wild horses, pigs and donkeys run free here.

Lapakahi Park is an ancient Hawaiian village. Paved paths lead down to the water's edge, with plaques along the way explaining about what you pass, native trees and their uses, native stone house platforms, etc. Going south on Hwy. #19 towards Kailua-Kona.

Kawaihae is a commercial harbor, and home of the famous Kawaihae Canoe Club. A convenient store, galleries, a shop or two, a dive rental shop and a few restaurants are all located in a small shopping center. This is not really a town, but serves a number of residences and small business areas, as well as the Kona deep shipping harbor and home for a boating community.

Spencer Beach Park is a very protected beach, perfect if you have small children or don't like big waves. There are easy paths from the parking area and public rest rooms. At Spencer Park is Pu'ukohola Heiau (temple), Hawaii's most famous and largest heiau. Another small heiau as well as an information shack and nice trails to the coast are all at the same location. The history of these ancient temples built by King Kamehameha is fascinating. From this area, on a clear day, you can see the four largest mountains from one spot: Hualalai, Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea and the Kohala Mountains. Spencer Beach Park may not be suitable for overnight camping due to other long term campers.

Hapuna Beach Park is one of the finest whitesand beaches in the world (top ten by Conde Nast). You park and walk down a paved path to the beach. There is very little rain here, about 6" per year, so this beach has practically guaranteed great weather. Sunsets at Hapuna are incredible! Maui can be seen 35 miles away. A covered pavilion, picnic tables, showers, restrooms and a small hot dog and cold drink stand make this an easy beach to visit. There are public camping facilities here but again they may not be desirable due to the condition of facilities and use. And don't leave exposed valuables in your car. Keep things locked in the trunk for better security.

Between Hapuna Beach Park and the Keahole Kona International Airport (KOA) is one of the best places in the world to snorkel, scuba dive and enjoy sun, surf and sand. Give your self time to explore, there must be 15-20 small accessible beaches along this Golden Kona Coast of Old Hawai'i. There are some excellent beach map books on the Big Island.